Sunday 10th September 1978

Niki Lauda won the Italian Grand Prix for Brabham-Alfa Romeo. The race was marred by the death of Ronnie Peterson following an accident at the start of the race. With three races remaining, Mario Andretti (Lotus-Ford) led the World Drivers’ Championship by 12 points from his team-mate Ronnie Peterson. Niki Lauda in third place, was 28 points behind Andretti, and, with only 9 points for a win, could not overtake him.